USA for UNHCR

We're #hiring! ✨ Are you looking to take your #career to the next level and join a team of compassionate, forward-thinking individuals who are passionate about uplifting, empowering and protecting displaced people around the world? Join our team! Visit USA for UNHCR's careers website to learn about all our open opportunities and how you can be a part of something big! 👉👉👉 https://lnkd.in/gj8C6BX9

We're celebrating and sending a special congratulations to the 2023 Sparking Change grantees for successfully completing your projects! 🎉 Congratulations Salemu Derick Alimasi, Masouda Basharat, Bahati Kanyamanza, Aisha Koroma, M.A, LPC, QMHP-CS, Sara Louis-Ayo, Niyonsaba Magnifique, King Patrick Saah, Sateza Safi, Dauda Sesay and Faridar Binti Sirazulsalam! 🎉 ----- USA for UNHCR's Sparking Change grant offers resettled refugees in the United States the opportunity to pursue ideas and projects that make their communities more welcoming and inclusive. From soccer tournaments that help community members build connections across language barriers to creating safe spaces to break down stigmas about mental health, each of our 2023 grantees’ projects focused on building safer, more welcoming spaces for refugees. Read more about a few of this year's grantees amazing projects: https://lnkd.in/gyDx27xj

“It’s a good experience [working with UNHCR]. You can always feel the result of your work, and it's always fast,” shares Valentyn. “But also, I see my colleagues who are working with community-based protection, I see the long-term support, and it's very important for those refugees.” Meet Valentyn Kuzmyn, a protection monitor with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, who delivers care and protection to refugees arriving at the Przemysl train station on the Poland-Ukraine border. Valentyn's work is deeply personal — he and his family are refugees from Ukraine. They fled Kharkiv in March 2022, finding safety in Poland. Exempt from military service because he has five children, Valentyn began seeking other ways to support fellow Ukrainians. Read more about Valentyn's journey and his impactful work serving Ukrainian refugees: https://lnkd.in/gQ7vmKqk 📸: © USA for UNHCR/Nicholas Feeney

The holiday season is officially upon us! But it's not too late to shop for gifts. From candles hand poured by refugee women, to delicious gift baskets from Emma's Torch and Project Feast, we’ve got a bunch of unique gift ideas that give back to refugees in a big way! Get shopping at these amazing refugee-run businesses!

Ever wondered what the difference is between a "refugee" and a "migrant"? It all comes down to the reason the person is leaving their country. Refugees are FORCED to flee their homes because of war, violence and persecution, whereas migrants CHOOSE to move to a new country. 💡 Knowing the difference matters! Spread the word.

From Seattle to the Big Apple, this year we met resilient refugees and compassionate allies who are building bridges through food, music, technology, art and shared experiences. Each of their stories illuminates the power that lies in community, inclusion and friendship. Check out the inspiring stories of the people we met in 2024!

This year has been nothing short of inspiring! All year long, we’ve had the privilege of meeting refugee leaders, advocates and allies who have dedicated their life to making a difference in the lives of newly resettled refugees across the United States and beyond. From refugees fervently advocating for their communities on Capitol Hill and in Washington state, to refugee allies who are protecting and supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers — here are just a few of the amazing people whose dedication to uplifting those who have been forced to flee their homes has inspired us this year. 

In a recent trip to Mauritania, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and actor #TheoJames met with refugees to learn more about challenges of displacement, the devastating impacts the climate crisis is having on refugee communities and the inspiring refugee-led initiatives being implemented to combat it. Theo has since joined UNHCR on stages around the world to talk about the impacts of climate change on refugees and advocate for urgent global action! Today, on his birthday, we celebrate and thank Theo James for his amazing commitment to uplifting refugee voices and advocating for the rights of forcibly displaced people everywhere. Together we can build a better and brighter future for all! 💙 🎂 📸: © UNHCR/Caroline Irby

"It's time to go back, we are very happy," says Syrian refugee Ali. These are Ali's last few minutes in Lebanon before returning to his home country of Syria. Originally from Damascus, Syria, Ali told UNHCR that he could not contain his excitement at the chance to finally return home. Though an uncertain time for the Syria, this moment signals the start of a pivotal period of change and movement across the country and region. On December 9th, Syrians in Lebanon began returning to Syria through various crossing points. UNHCR is closely monitoring the evolving situation and remains committed to protecting and supporting vulnerable populations in the region. 📸: © UNHCR/Ximena Borrazas

Meet Hawida, a mother of six from Sudan. Violence in Sudan forced Hawida and her family to flee their home. They found safety in Chad, where UNHCR stepped up to offer them aid and protection. “We have hope for the future [now]," Hawida shares. "And the shelter and assistance provided have made us feel secure and supported." ----- In Sudan and other countries throughout the region, seasonal rains and subsequent flooding can delay deliveries of humanitarian aid to families who need it. UNHCR is working to combat these challenges by implementing rainy season preparedness measures, such as drain and canal maintenance. Learn more about how climate change affects families like Hawida's, and how UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is stepping up to protect those in need: https://lnkd.in/gZEV6hsZ 📸: © UNHCR/Eugene Sibomana